When discussing Vietnam, the first names that come to mind for many are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Sapa and Mui Ne are popular choices. However, Vietnam's tourist destinations extend far beyond these well-known locations. We would like to introduce you to a hidden gem, a charming city that deserves a place in your travel plans. While its name may not be familiar, its allure is undeniable.

Hai Phong & Cat Ba Island

Feel free to drop by, say hello, ask questions, and have some fun! ;)

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Hai Phong is a coastal city located near the capital city of Hanoi. The most convenient way to get there is by plane, landing at Cat Bi Airport. The flight takes about 2 hours from Bangkok, which is definitely faster than driving across the Asok intersection!

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive and concise summary of the information, tailored to the relaxed atmosphere of Hai Phong. This will make it clear that visiting Hai Phong is truly effortless. (It's so easy, you'll think it's impossible! // Single, good-looking, and wealthy? Message me privately.)

A Simple and Concise Translation of "บทคัดย่อ ไฮฟองศึกษา101 ฉบับอ่านง่ายถ่ายคล่อง!"

"A Comprehensive and Easy-to-Read Summary of Hai Phong Studies 101!"

1. Direct flight to Cat Bi Airport @ Hai Phong (Vietjet Air direct flight from Suvarnabhumi every Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday, one flight per day)

2. Taxis are readily available at the airport for a reasonable price. The fare is metered with a small service charge.

3. Hai Phong boasts numerous charming cafes offering affordable prices, fast Wi-Fi, and delicious pastries. (Coffee in cafes costs between 30-60 baht, compared to 100 baht in Bangkok.)

4. Explore the city, observe the vibrant youth culture, enjoy streetside pho, and visit museums.

5. Purchase a ferry ticket to Cat Ba Island (you can walk around the pier first to compare prices, which don't vary much). The price is around 150k-180k VND (approximately 200 baht).

There are two options for transportation to the accommodation: a ferry to the island followed by a connecting car, or a speedboat directly to the pier near the accommodation. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

6. If you plan to visit Halong Bay, flying directly to Hai Phong is a more convenient and time-saving option compared to flying to Hanoi.

Cat Ba Island also offers trips to Ha Long Bay.

7. Cat Ba Island:

• Monkey Island Cruise: Explore Monkey Island, hike to scenic viewpoints, and observe the resident monkeys.
• Lan Ha Bay: Visit a traditional fishing village nestled amidst the stunning Lan Ha Bay.

The evening sunset was breathtaking, trekking in Cat Ba National Park, kayaking, and enjoying a seafood hotpot.

Relax on the beach, enjoy a sauna and spa, savor a bowl of pho, take a dip in the sea, and then return to your slumber.

8. Affordable beer bars [Recommended shop OASIS] Draft beer starts from 30 baht, cocktails 80-100, with 1-for-1 promotions and 50% sales.

Each store has different promotion periods, so plan well! Then the night will be long, yayyy!

9. Accommodation on the island is readily available from the pier, with hotels lining the beachfront. Prices start from 200 baht, while private beachfront resorts offer higher rates.

Approximately 2,000 baht (including breakfast, sauna, free cocktails, free entry to Canon Fort, free kayaking… so many freebies I'm almost embarrassed!)

10. Rent a motorbike and explore the city (150-200 baht per day, plus 40 baht for fuel).

11. If time permits, visit Canon Fort, a hilltop artillery battery dating back to the Vietnam War. It houses a museum showcasing historical artifacts and weaponry from that era.

12. For those who cannot ride a motorbike, there is a golf cart service available to transport you between the hotel, the pier, and the food district for 10k (15 baht) per person. Longer distance transportation can also be arranged.

13. 1-Day Island Tour: Choose from various packages, including Trekking+Kayaking+Boat (Monkey Island, Lan Ha Bay).

Or, for a more adventurous experience, consider a Halong Bay cruise with Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, with options for overnight stays on the boat for 2 or 3 days.

Hai Phong and Cat Ba are not yet major tourist destinations, and we did not encounter any scams or aggressive behavior at the bus stations.

(There are some, but very few, to the point that they do not bother us.)

15. It is slightly frustrating to be frequently mistaken for Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, or Taiwanese (anything but Thai!! Gosh darn it).

16. Overall, it's a great city to live in. The cost of living is low, there are few people, few scammers, good cafes, young people are into Korean culture, and the island is very relaxing.

Enjoy seafood at the price of stir-fried minced pork with holy basil.

17. A day is sufficient to explore the city center of Hai Phong, while two days are recommended for Cat Ba Island.

The total cost for a comfortable trip, excluding airfare, is approximately 6,000 baht per person. This includes good food, comfortable accommodation, and plenty of fun activities. Don't miss out on this amazing deal!

Is pho the only food available in Vietnam? Our response is a resounding yes, T-T.

There are many pho restaurants, but it doesn't mean you can't find other food. There are still other restaurants.

A restaurant specializing in shellfish dishes with a spicy dipping sauce.

Hai Phong boasts a vibrant café scene rivaling that of Ari Soi, with cafés on nearly every corner and prices that are incredibly kind to your wallet.

A small amusement park in Hai Phong

On Cat Ba Island

Accommodation is readily available; simply walk in. The yellow archway pictured is the pier. If you arrive by speedboat, you will be dropped off right in the tourist area. This eliminates the need for inconvenient transfers.

Monkey Island is home to a large population of monkeys, offering visitors the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The island also boasts stunning coastal views and opportunities for swimming and other water activities. However, visitors should be aware that interactions between monkeys and tourists can sometimes lead to conflicts.

After sunset, they returned to the shore.

Oh, so romantic!

As night falls, people emerge from their lodgings to party and hang out, seeking fresh seafood to enjoy. Restaurants and food stalls line the streets, offering a variety of options to suit every taste. Prices are generally reasonable and consistent across different vendors. While flavors vary, we found everything to be delicious, thanks to the undeniable freshness of the ingredients.

In addition to the budget-friendly accommodations readily available along the coastal road, a short two-minute boat ride from the port reveals a more luxurious resort experience on the other side of the island. Cat Ba Beach Resort, priced at approximately 1,9xx per night on booking.com, offers a tranquil haven for those seeking serenity and the soothing sounds of waves lapping against a private beach. The price includes a welcome drink, complimentary kayaking, free admission to Canon Fort, sauna access, and a complimentary cocktail per guest to enjoy by the beach.

In addition to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island also boasts Canon Fort, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its elevated vantage point.

You can rent a motorbike to drive up there.

While not necessarily captivating for those with limited interest in history, this location offers unique photo opportunities for those seeking a trendy aesthetic.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

And finally, we had to say goodbye. We took a speedboat back to the shore and wandered around waiting for our flight back to Bangkok with VietJet Air, as usual.

Thank you to everyone who has followed. If anyone has any questions, please ask. We are happy to answer them, as this post may not be detailed enough.

Thank you Vietjet Airlines for the wonderful journey and for introducing me to new travel destinations.

Goodbye.